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eCOGRA 2006
Global Online Gambler Report Offers Player Insight
by Ryan O'Donnell, News Staff Writer
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February 26, 2007
The 2006
eCOGRA
Global Online Gambler Report is the largest and most comprehensive survey of
online gamblers taken to date. Covering ninety-six countries and thirty-seven
employment sectors, over 10,800 online gamblers participated in the survey,
which was undertaken by the Betting and International Gaming Research Units at
Nottingham Trent University and the University of Las Vegas. Both land-based and
online data collection were used. Fifteen focus groups in the U.S., U.K.,
Canada, Sweden and Germany were formed, while internet data and research was
compiled by Internet Mediated Research. A total of 85 questions were posed to
players - and were strategically worded in both open and close-ended questions.
With such a large demographic scale to work with,
researchers were well-armed to create the most accurate profile of the typical
global online casino and poker player ever done. Findings were surprising to say
the least, which profiled players in terms of player attitudes, behaviour and
views on player protection, luck and superstition, responsible gaming and both
the positive and negative aspects of gambling online in general. Certainly, one
of the most surprising findings was that the majority of online gamblers appear
to gamble online more so for entertainment purposes than for winning money in
the long-term. In other words, most players view online gambling as a relaxing
leisure activity and pastime with the added benefits of potentially winning
prizes and money.
But just who is the average online gambler and what
do they look like? Well, aside from hair color and nose size, both the average
online poker player and online casino player is not what many internet gaming
analysts were predicting. Regarding the average online poker player, 73.8% are
male, roughly 30% are between the ages of twenty-six and thirty-five, 26.8% play
from two to three times every week, 25% have visited over six different online
poker rooms in ninety days, 33.3% play in one to two hour increments, 34% play
both regular cash tables and in tournaments and over 61% play at minimum stake
levels ranging from £25p to £1. Regarding the average online casino gambler,
nearly 55% are female, 29.5% are between the ages of forty-six and fifty-five,
37% play two to three times each week, 25% have visited over six different
online casinos in the last ninety days, 22.4% have been gambling online for over
two years and play from one to two hours each gambling session.
Player attitudes were predictable in terms of what
was widely considered the worst aspect of gambling online. Losing money was at
the top of this list, while entertainment and convenience was what players say
they like the most about gambling online. The vast majority of players say they
are either up or down approximately £32.50 per week. In terms of player
attitudes regarding regulation, 55% reported they would not only like to see an
increase in the amount of online casinos submitting themselves to effective
regulation codes, such as those imposed by eCOGRA themselves, but that they
would see more clarity of effective regulations. The majority of players say
they are pleased with the customer service standards being maintained by the
majority of online gambling sites, while 64% say they usually only play at those
online casinos which have "big" names and where large amounts of other players
participate. 70% of players say they consciously seek out sites that are powered
by reputable, big-name
Casino Software developers such as Microgaming, Cryptologic, Playtech and
Vegas Technology, while 61% say they seek out sites that have received notable
seals of approval, such as eCOGRA's very own Play it Safe Seal.
In terms of player behaviour, the stats show the
vast majority (nearly 90%) of players gamble online during evening hours at
home, while one in ten women concede to gambling online at the workplace. Over
half of all gamblers say they visit message boards and online gambling forums,
which 65% say they do in order to find the latest bonuses and promotions.
Speaking of which, bonuses were the chief motivating factor in choosing an
online casino for 75% of players, while 62% joined a site for their games, and
over 50% joined up depending on deposit methods, reputation and speed of
payouts. Some of the most encouraging findings were in regards to how the vast
majority of players view their chances of winning. Suggesting a realistic view,
the typical player would only put 2-10% of their bankroll at risk at any one
time. Players who reported they did not chase losses or let previous hands
influence their future bets were shown to financially fare better overall.
Both eCOGRA and the International Gaming Research
Unit referred to the findings of the survey as "invaluable" and "exciting".
Encouraged by the player feedback, eCOGRA CEO, Andrew Beveridge concedes there
is still some way to go in terms of mainstreaming regulation and enlightening
players of the realities of online casino and poker gambling. The findings will
certainly have a positive impact on future governmental policy-making and gaming
website operations now and in the future.
For a complete download of the 2006 Global Online
Gambler Report, please visit eCOGRA.org
More eCOGRA Global Online
Gambler Survey Insight:
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